The FAQs

Here at N&B, we specialise in finding the best Surrey apprenticeships to kick-start careers in a range of industries, including childcare, playwork, health and social care, business administration and management, retail, hospitality and customer services.

Who can do apprenticeships?

To apply for an apprenticeship, you must live in England, be at least 16 years old and must not be in full time education.

Are there any costs involved?

If you’re 16-18 years old you won’t pay anything as apprenticeships are fully funded by the Government. Part government funding is available for those aged 19+, and in most cases, the employer will pay the rest.

How long will an apprenticeship take?

What salary will I earn?

Although the minimum apprenticeship wage is £3.30 an hour, pay varies by job role with many apprentices earning up to £200 per week.

What could you become?

With N&B Training, learning on the job in a supported and inspiring role is easy with our dedicated team and great employers.
But… it’s not just for younger people.
If you’re 24+ and want to re-train for a new career in Surrey, we can help you arrange funding for your qualification.

Learner Loans

If you do not qualify for government funding for your course, it may be possible for you to apply for a Learner Loan in Surrey.

Have a look through the criteria and information here to find out if you are eligible and what a loan entails and let us know if we can help you get the ball rolling.

What is a Learner Loan and how do I qualify?

A Learner Loan is an amount of money awarded by the government to be used to pay the tuition fees for your qualification. The assessment process is not based on your income nor are there any credit checks done.

You can also apply for more than one loan (up to four) as you continue to do additional or higher qualifications.

To be able to apply for a loan you must:

be 19 or over on the first day of your course

be undertaking an eligible course with us at level 3 or over or Advanced level or higher

be living in the UK on the first day of your course and have lived in the UK for three years immediately prior to starting your course

Once the level and course you’d like to do has been agreed and confirmed, we will send you a Learning and Funding Information letter. Loans are applied for via Student Finance England but we will help you through the application process.

How much will I get and how is it paid back?

The amount you are loaned is dependent firstly on how much you’d like to borrow (if you can or want to contribute anything yourself) and secondly, on which course you are doing. The minimum amount you can borrow is £300 and the upper limit will be based on the type of qualification.

You will be expected to start paying your loan back in the April after you have finished your course and then only if you are earning a minimum of £21,000 a year (which equates to £404 per week or £1750 per month before tax).

How much will I pay back?

The minimum salary to start repayments is £21,000 per year before tax (your gross income) and then the repayment is based on what you earn, not what you borrowed.
It is calculated as 9% of your gross income over the £21,000 threshold but you can make voluntary repayments at any time if you wish, even if your annual salary is below £21,000.

So for example if you earn £25,000 gross per year, it is worked out as follows:£25,000 – £21000 = £40009% of £4000 = £360, divided by 12 months = £30.Your repayment will be £30 per month.

The interest charged is the Retail Index Price (RPI) and is also based on your income as follows:

Unless you are self-employed, the repayments are taken directly out of your payslip as they are with tax and National Insurance so you don’t have to do anything.

If you stop working, or your salary drops below the £21,000 threshold, your repayments will stop until you meet the criteria for repayments again.

What if I don't complete my course?

If you decide not to go ahead with your course, your application can be cancelled within the first two weeks of starting. After two weeks, you will be liable to pay back the amount that has been paid to date of your loan but not the loan in its entirety.

Additional information

For more information about student loans, go to the Student Finance England website at www.slc.co.uk or download their fact sheet here.

Testimonials

“The apprenticeship experience is nice and relaxed. You don’t feel pressured and under constant watch, even with deadlines. If I have a problem I can always contact my Training Coordinator and he will help with anything I need.”

Kenna, apprentice at Grace and Galor

“The drive and commitment of our apprentice has had a hugely positive influence on the business. I feel that all too often the apprenticeship schemes appear like a sea of tea making and filing with a bit of work in between. That couldn’t be further from the truth. With a customer facing role and a number of ongoing projects within his control, Daniel is a vital member of the team. “

Chris, employer at Shippo

What Next?

To find out more about apprenticeships in Surrey, call N&B Training on 01932 252599, send us an email or complete our quick enquiry form today.